Firefighter health – Cardiac Disease

Excerpts from newsroom.heart.org:

Key Findings from the Study:

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access journal, reveals that most firefighters who died from cardiac arrest had underlying heart conditions that were confirmed through autopsy. These included coronary artery disease, structural heart abnormalities such as an enlarged heart and thickened left ventricular walls.

The research highlights that among those who died from cardiac events, factors like coronary artery disease, an enlarged heart, thickened heart walls, and a history of heart attacks were strong and independent predictors of death. This suggests that even for firefighters who are physically fit, pre-existing heart conditions can be life-threatening.

Firefighters face numerous risks on the job, but the most significant danger is sudden cardiac arrest, especially for those with undiagnosed or untreated cardiovascular issues. The study analyzed autopsy reports of U.S. male firefighters who died while on duty between 1999 and 2014. Out of 627 total deaths, 276 were due to cardiac arrest, making it the leading cause of on-duty fatalities.

Results showed that many of these firefighters had signs of both atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease. These conditions can weaken the heart over time, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during high-stress situations like firefighting.

Interestingly, firefighters with a prior heart attack were six times more likely to die on duty compared to those who died from other causes. This emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of heart disease in this high-risk profession.

Sudden cardiac arrest affects about one in seven people in the U.S. and can occur without warning. It's different from a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow, but heart attacks and other heart conditions can lead to cardiac arrest. Immediate action—like CPR and calling emergency services—is crucial for survival.

Despite its importance, the study has some limitations. For example, there was variation in how heart disease was described in autopsies, and certain criteria, like the threshold for an enlarged heart, may not have been consistent. Additionally, data on other risk factors such as smoking and hypertension were missing.

To reduce the risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends following the Life’s Simple 7® guidelines: manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, stay active, eat better, lose weight, and stop smoking. These steps can significantly improve heart health and lower the risk of sudden cardiac events.

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